Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Cooling temperatures and increasing winds will cause snow surfaces to freeze and gain strength. As the weather pendulums from spring back to winter, primary avalanche concerns shift back to dry snow problems. A few inches of new snow and wind may form fresh slabs in leeward alpine terrain by Friday afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Older wind slabs that formed during the 4/3-5 storm are stubborn to unreactive to triggers, and avalanches in wind drifted snow will be unlikely for most of the day Friday. If we hit the high end or exceed the forecasted snow totals, fresh shallow slabs of wind drifted snow could form by afternoon. These slabs should be small and isolated, but pay attention to changing conditions throughout the day. You are most likely to encounter unstable wind-drifted snow just below ridgelines and cliff bands, in gullies, and on slopes below cornices. Stick to lower-angle terrain sheltered from the wind to reduce your risk.

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack cooked on Thursday as 5000ft temperatures hit 60F and the strong April sun beat down on Mt Hood. Observers reported a wet and saturated snow surface, lots of rollerballs, but no significant wet loose avalanche cycle as of early afternoon. Primary concerns now shift from wet snow back to dry snow as temperatures cool, winds increase, and a few inches of new snow accumulate by Friday night. You may still find isolated areas of wet snow around rocks and cliffs, and any soggy cornices features are still worth giving a wide berth. An active pattern looks to continue through the weekend, and a promising storm Saturday night could deliver several inches of new snow.

Regions covered